Prices held or cut at top attractions

Entry prices have been held or cut at seven great Historic Scotland attractions across the country.

A new system of peak, standard and off peak ticketing specifically for Edinburgh Castle means that at certain times of the year visitors will pay the same, or less, than they do now.

Prices are being held at their current levels at Stirling and Urquhart Castles, two of Historic Scotland’s other most popular attractions.

Where prices are going up the rises have been limited to around 10p for children and 20p for adults.

This follows a three-month prize freeze at all 77 ticketed attractions since January.

The opening of the Stanley Mills visitor centre, near Perth, also means there is a brand new attraction to enjoy.

Kenny Crawford, Historic Scotland head of sales, said: “We always try to provide the best possible value for visitors.

“Prices at all our sites have been on hold for the last three months.

“They are being kept at 2007 levels at some of our most popular attractions, like Stirling and Urquhart castles, until April next year.

“We want as many people as possible to enjoy the heritage in their own communities, especially those who might not normally think of visiting our sites.

“We also want to encourage visitors to think of our castles, abbeys, palaces and other historic buildings as places to go at all times of the year and not just a summer day out.”

The price freezes have also been designed to attract more people taking short breaks around Scotland.

Changes to the pricing system at Edinburgh Castle have been accompanied by the opening of a new ticket office, the creation of a special website and the introduction of online booking.

Income from tickets contributes to the upkeep and staffing of the nearly 350 sites in its care, of which the vast majority are free to visit.

Prices at the Blackhouse, at Arnol on Lewis, have been cut and they have been held at Dundrennan Abbey and Sweetheart Abbey in order to attract a broader range of visitors.

The pricing changes came into effect on 01 April.

Notes for editors

Edinburgh Castle:
Off peak and standard prices will mainly apply in the later autumn, winter and spring. Standard will be the same as 2007 and off peak will be £1 less for adults. Peak prices will be in the summer and at other high points of the year, such as selected public holidays. Child prices are 50% of the adult rate.

2008-09 Prices range from

Adult £10.00 to £12.00

Child £5.00 to £6.00

Concessions £7.00 to £9.50

(2007-08 prices were £11 for adults, £5.50 children and £9 concessions).
Visitors will continue to be able to see the castle without paying a penny during our annual free weekend and on St Andrew’s Day.